World Cancer Day, held on 4th February, is a time to recognise the many ways cancer touches our communities, including within archery.
In Australia, it’s estimated that 1 in 5 people will experience a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Our archery community is not immune to this. Yet when cancer affects individuals, conversations and experiences can often become centred on the disease itself, rather than the person and their life, interests, and identity beyond a diagnosis.
A Life Shaped by Archery
Steve Jennison, life member of Warringah Archers, Archery NSW and Archery Australia, is a passionate archer, coach, and supporter of all things archery. He cares deeply for both the people and the sport. Steve volunteers his time at club level and with Archery Australia, supporting coaching administration and contributing to the development of the national coaching framework.
He loves a chat about archery and is progressive in how he believes the sport can grow, evolve, and be shared with people of all abilities across the wider community.
Finding Focus During Treatment
Last year, Steve was diagnosed with cancer and underwent a course of radiotherapy as part of his treatment. During this time, archery became a key outlet and point of focus, helping to make the experience less overwhelming during a period of uncertainty.
Archery played an important role in supporting Steve through his cancer journey. This support came through the encouragement of his club community, and through conversations with radiotherapy professionals during his treatment, where he was able to share his love of the sport and connect over shared principles and skills.
United by Unique
This World Cancer Day, the theme United by Unique reflects the connection that formed during Steve’s radiotherapy treatment. Steve and the radiotherapy professionals bonded over the similarities between the unique demands of both archery and radiotherapy, particularly the importance of accuracy, precision, planning, and hitting the target.
This shared connection offered Steve a new way of viewing radiotherapy, making the experience feel less intimidating and more familiar.
Giving Back Through Archery
After completing his radiotherapy, Steve wanted to give back to the healthcare professionals who supported him by offering to host a Come and Try archery session for staff. These sessions will be held in the lead-up to World Radiotherapy Awareness Day on 7 September.
World Radiotherapy Awareness Day shines a light on the people behind radiotherapy, the skill and precision involved, and the role radiotherapy plays in cancer care, while recognising that every person’s cancer journey is unique and individualised.
We look forward to sharing the outcomes of this positive connection and continuing to see it grow in support of people with cancer and the archery community.
Archery – More than a Sport
Steve’s story is one example of the many members and supporters in our community who have been impacted by cancer. It highlights that archery is more than just a sport in its potential to promote wellbeing, connection, and hope.
We are pleased to share that Steve’s cancer is now in remission. We extend strength and positivity to anyone in the archery community currently experiencing cancer or its effects, and hope that the sport and its people can continue to provide support during this time.
